Do you ever think of planning a gluten-free diet for kids? Well, not a few parents provide a gluten-free diet for their children. Partly, it is basically influenced by rumors that this type of diet can reduce hyperactivity in children. Is it true or not? So, let’s see the explanations below!

Is there any effect of a gluten-free diet on a child’s growth?

Until now, there have been no studies or observations that explicitly state that gluten consumption will affect a child’s psychology, especially being hyperactive. The rise of gluten-free diets in various countries can actually cause negative risks if this diet is done by someone inappropriately. Then, what are the symptoms that can occur? Check it out!

Lack of micronutrients

Wheat foods contain vitamins, especially in the outer parts. Not eating these foods will pose a risk of vitamin deficiency, even if the child does not meet the intake of vitamins from other foods.

Lack of fiber

Wheat foods also contain high fiber. True wheat consumption is good for optimizing the function of the gastrointestinal tract and improving the bowel movements of children.

It can increase sugar consumption

The consumption of wheat will reduce the risk of increased blood sugar levels and abnormalities in blood fat profiles. This is because wheat actually contains low sugar and low fat, but it quickly makes you full.

If the child does not consume wheat at all, then replace it with other food sources that are less appropriate (for example, white rice is high in carbohydrates and sugar), it can trigger other health problems.

Basically, this kind of a gluten-free diet is recommended for children who have celiac disease. In children with celiac, the gluten intolerance occurs. The children cannot absorb gluten properly even gluten consumption can actually cause digestive disorders.

Then, what is the celiac disease exactly?

Based on the explanation, you may be able to catch what the real definition of celiac disease is. What is it exactly? Well, celiac disease is a disease that is quite rare. Celiac disease is a disease of the small intestine caused by autoimmune, aka your own body that causes the disease. People who have celiac disease cannot eat foods that contain gluten, a protein found in wheat and flour. If the celiac disease sufferers eat foods that contain gluten, then there will be health consequences that must be borne.

So, when does a gluten-free diet need to be applied for our kids?

In this case, if your kids or children do not have celiac disease or wheat allergies, applying a gluten-free diet to your children brings more problems than benefits. It means that there is no good effect for your children in this condition. Therefore, parents must really consult about the gluten-free diet as fully as possible with nutritionists before applying it to their children, starting from the financial, social, nutritional consequences that are lost, and prohibited applications.

So, it is true that a gluten-free diet can improve the growth and the development of our children or kids if it is surely done in children with a tendency towards gluten intolerance. But, if the children are not in such condition, a gluten-free diet for kids should not be applied.

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